William Willems, Central Fruit:

"Nadorcott are really great little clementines"

Nadorcott is a popular Clementine variety in Belgium. "The season has become quite a bit more important to us due to this variety. We used to do 'something' once in a while. In recent years we have had a constant supply from August. We also carry it under our brand Cibel and that is a success. They are really great clementines. They're real pictures, they look like they've been painted. They have a great colour and particularly good to eat," says William Willems of Central Fruit - Group A. de Witte.

Stands outHe believes Nadorcott is the best easy peeler. "Nadorcott gets a 9 out of 10 among easy peelers in my opinions. It stands out. We have good prices for fruit and the consumer is prepared to pay a higher price. It proves that this fruit is of great quality."

South Africa and SpainThe Nadorcott is imported from Spain for two months. "Depending on the possibilities we can supply them until the end of September. This is when the Spanish season of leaf clementines starts and this connects well. We carry from both South Africa and Spain under the Cibel brand and this gives the customer confidence. They also know that we don't import anything under Cibel that we aren't 100% behind." He indicates that this also gives a certain peace in creating programmes.

SeasonsThere are always periods in which the demand for mandarins and clementines is low. "April, May, June and July are the months in which there are many more types of fruit in the spotlight, such as stone fruit and melons. The 'soft citrus' often winds up forgotten for a moment." He believes we shouldn't force it. "There has to be sufficient rotation and the Belgian are also bound to seasons. This is less so in the Netherlands. It's more of a standard for easy peelers to be available 12 months out of the year."

ExpansionThere has been a global expansion in easy peeler area in recent years. "People have to be careful with this. Of course we have been happy with certain developments, such as this addition of the Nadorcott. I wouldn't expand too much and push in this market. In other months other items are in season. I don't see it happening in Belgium that there will be a constant 12 month cycle of eating easy peelers. We have to honour the seasons."

South African seasonHe sums up the South African season as follows. "In the beginning there were large shortages due to the drought. It was a difficult and late start. The second half is more normal in supply, but the markets remain quite positive. We can sell the trade normally. Yet we should be euphoric towards the end. "It's quite calm on the markets and although there is less overstock, I still like being able to sell. We certainly shouldn't speculate for too long, Spain is also arriving earlier than last year. The expectations for that season are good."